Ethiopia blames Egypt for supporting outlawed armed group

Ethiopia's Communication Affairs Minister Getachew Reda speaks to media about the current unrest in the country, in the capital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Monday, Oct. 10, 2016. The Ethiopian government has declared a state of emergency effective immediately following a week of anti-government violence that resulted in deaths and property damage across the country, especially in the restive Oromia region. (AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene) (The Associated Press)

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A security guard sits near a gate in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Monday, Oct. 10, 2016. Ethiopia's government on Monday blamed Egypt for supporting outlawed rebels and forcing the declaration of the country's first state of emergency in a quarter-century as widespread anti-government protests continue, though Egypt last week denied any support for the Ethiopian rebels. (AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene) (The Associated Press)

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A woman walks on bridge to a station of the city's light railway, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Monday, Oct. 10, 2016. Ethiopia's government on Monday blamed Egypt for supporting outlawed rebels and forcing the declaration of the country's first state of emergency in a quarter-century as widespread anti-government protests continue, though Egypt last week denied any support for the Ethiopian rebels. (AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene) (The Associated Press)

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Ethiopia's government is blaming Egypt for supporting outlawed rebels and forcing the declaration of a state of emergency.

Spokesman Getachew Reda told journalists in the capital, Addis Ababa, on Monday that there is ample evidence that Egypt provided training and financing to the Oromo Liberation Front, which Ethiopia calls a terrorist group.

The Egyptian government has denied the charges.

Getachew says the state of emergency declared Sunday will be used to reorganize security forces to better respond to anti-government protests throughout much of the restive Oromia region.

At least 400 people were killed in anti-government protests in the past year. On Oct. 2, more than 50 people were killed in a stampede after security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters during a religious festival in Bishoftu, south of the capital.